City council's new bid for CBD surveillance cameras

A SECOND attempt for state government funding to install closed-circuit television (cctv) monitoring in Warrnambool’s central business district has been lodged by the city council.

If successful the $250,000 grant would enable cameras to be set up in strategic hot spots and be monitored by police.

Mobile cameras could also be placed at Lake Pertobe in busy holiday seasons.

Last year the council missed out on a funding application to the crime prevention fund — only about 20 out of 100 applications statewide were successful.

In the meantime, the council has called for community feedback which will be included with the application.

Mayor Michael Neoh said it was important for people to understand CCTV would not be a “silver bullet” solution, but a tool to support efforts of the police and the community in dealing with crime.

“The funding application outcome is expected to be known by the middle of the year,” he said.

“There will be further opportunity for the community to provide feedback into city centre crime prevention initiatives later in the year.”

He said a successful grant application would cover the cost of equipment purchase and installation, but the council would have to budget for maintenance, compliance, administration and replacement costs.

City councillor Peter Hulin lobbied regularly for the cameras in his first four years and newcomer Cr Brian Kelson backed the call in his election campaign.

Community opinion can be lodged through the council’s website on the Have Your Say section or via a survey form at the council offices.